Mangus to see Barker Thursday

By Phil Kornblut

QB Drew Barker of Hebron, KY has been quiet this week as his decision day of Friday approaches. He did confirm via a text message Wednesday night USC quarterbacks coach GA Mangus will visit with him Thursday. Kentucky coaches were in earlier in the week. Barker plans to announce Friday at 3:30 PM for either the Gamecocks or Wildcats with Tennessee a wild card in the race. Barker favored USC after visiting Columbia for the Tennessee game. "Of my offers, South Carolina is definitely number one," Barker said at the time. "They have drilled into my head that they want me. I really like how the offense was run and how the coaches handle their players." Tennessee later became a player after Butch Jones took over the program. Kentucky, however, has made the strongest run of late behind new coach Mike Stoops. Barker was ignored by the previous staff but Stoops has made the home state star a priority. The Wildcat staff has flooded his mailbox with notes and letters. Barker spent the weekend in Lexington for the spring game and was given the hard sell about being the next home grown quarterback hero at UK. And his family are strong Kentucky fans. But Mangus was the first to offer, has been recruiting him the longest, and has built a strong relationship. Steve Spurrier has also thrown his weight into the battle even allowing Barker to stand on the field with him and call plays during a spring practice visit. "I could definitely tell coach Spurrier definitely wanted me on this trip," Barker said at the time. "He spent a lot of time with me and definitely wanted me to know that I was wanted there." Barker has not tipped his hand. His decision is so airtight the recruiting analysts who cover USC and Kentucky basically are split down party lines on their predictions.

USC head coach Frank Martin and assistant Matt Figger flew to California Monday for an in home visit and dinner with 7-0 center target Conor Clifford of Saddleback JC, CA according to Clifford's coach. 'I imagine they set up a visit with him," coach Andy Ground said. Ground did not know the date for the official visit but said he would be talking...

OL Clark Yarbrough (6-6 273) of Woodberry Forest, VA is one of the nation's most sought after offensive linemen, and as he comes down the stretch of his recruiting activities, Clemson and USC are both major players according to his coach. Yarbrough visited both schools earlier this month and both figure to be on his list when he makes his...

OL Branton Autry (6-4 320) of Coffeyville JC, KS is getting a lot of interest from USC these days and when he gets around to deciding on official visits he will take this summer and fall, he's confident the Gamecocks will get one.

Laurens DB Thomas Jones (6-3 200) is gaining momentum in recruiting circles. He recently was offered by North Carolina and Saturday he picked up an offer from USC while attending a junior day. He also has offers from Duke, Charlotte and Miami of Ohio and Clemson is showing some interest. He plans to go to Clemson for the spring game April 11th.

6-4 Jamall Gregory of Washington, DC made an official visit to USC over the weekend with his mother and he's now ready to make his college decision. Gregory said he plans to decide between the Gamecocks and Kansas State between now and Wednesday. He has not yet visited Kansas State.